Monday 1/4/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Grizzlies (18-17) at Trail Blazers (15-21)

Date: January 04, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

The Portland Trail Blazers aren't missing Damian Lillard very much, thanks in large part to C.J. McCollum and Allen Crabbe.

They may need continued strong efforts with Lillard's status shrouded in mystery.

McCollum and Crabbe will try to help the Trail Blazers to a fourth straight win at home Monday night against the Memphis Grizzlies.

For the first time since drafting Lillard in 2012, Portland (15-21) is dealing with an injury to its star guard.

So far, it's going pretty well. The Trail Blazers are 4-3 since Lillard went down with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, but they've won four of the last five games while averaging 104.2 points.

McCollum and Crabbe are big reasons why Portland has been able to withstand the absence of its leading scorer. McCollum is averaging 30.3 points over the last four games on 54.4 percent from the floor, including 14 of 30 from 3-point range.

Crabbe has chipped in with 16.6 per game since replacing Lillard in the lineup. He averaged 9.8 points while being used exclusively as a reserve over the first 29 games.

After Lillard was a late scratch Sunday, McCollum and Crabbe combined for 39 points in a 112-106 win at Denver.

"We need C.J. to do what he's doing," coach Terry Stotts said. "He's got a great knack for scoring, but I think he defends his position well. He's running the offense well. It goes beyond just scoring."

McCollum has made his presence felt against Memphis, averaging 24.6 points while sinking 17 of 28 3s over the last five meetings. That includes the final three games of last year's opening-round playoff series, which the Grizzlies won in five.

He scored 26 while Lillard only managed 11 at Memphis on Nov. 13, but it was Zach Randolph's put-back with less than a second to play that delivered the Grizzlies a 101-100 victory.

Memphis (18-17) has won 14 of the past 17 meetings with the Blazers, including playoffs. However, the Grizzlies have lost the last two visits to Portland after falling 115-96 on Nov. 5.

Marc Gasol is averaging 23.6 points during the past five overall matchups after scoring 31 on Nov. 13.

The center came up short in the clutch Saturday, missing an open jumper from the elbow in the final second of regulation before Memphis lost 92-87 in overtime at Utah. He finished with 20 points, seven boards, four assists and two blocks, as the Grizzlies lost their sixth in seven road games.

"I had a good look," Gasol said. "I didn't get my feet right. I couldn't believe I was that wide open and then I rushed it a little bit on my release."

Mike Conley is finding consistency after a slow start to the season. The guard is averaging 18.5 points while making 41.9 percent from behind the arc over the last eight games after scoring 10.3 over the previous six and missing 19 of 28 3-point attempts.

"He is feeling better physically," coach Dave Joerger said. "He is also shooting the basketball better. I think one helps the other, whatever side you want to look at first. ... He has shot the basketball very well."

Conley hasn't done that against Portland this season, averaging 9.0 points while making 6 of 21 from the field.

The Grizzlies will have forward Matt Barnes back from his two-game suspension for his involvement in an altercation with New York Knicks coach Derek Fisher in October.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hornets (17-16) at Warriors (31-2)

Date: January 04, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

It's unclear whether Stephen Curry will be available Monday night after re-injuring his left leg his last time out.

There's little doubt he'll want to be on the court considering that his father will be in the building.

Curry usually shines against his hometown Charlotte Hornets, who figure to be hard-pressed to stop the Golden State Warriors' 34-game regular-season home win streak.

The primary concern Monday is whether Curry will be on the floor. He returned from a two-game absence Saturday but left after playing 14 minutes when he injured his leg again in a 111-108 overtime home win over Denver.

'I just re-injured the same thing, so I'll be all right,' Curry said. 'I know exactly what it is. Whenever you hurt something and you try to play through a little bit of discomfort and just get out there, it's usually a magnet for something to happen.'

Curry is listed as questionable.

The reigning league MVP spent Sunday afternoon at the San Francisco 49ers' game with father Dell, one of the original Hornets and currently a broadcaster for Charlotte.

Stephen Curry grew up in Charlotte and is averaging 27.0 points against the Hornets for his second-best mark against any club. He enjoys playing in front of his father, upstaging "Dell Curry Night" in Charlotte on Dec. 2 by scoring 40 points in three quarters in a 116-99 victory. That outburst included the Warriors' final 24 points of the third.

Golden State (31-2) may finally get Harrison Barnes, listed as probable, back from his 16-game absence from a sprained left ankle. Brandon Rush is probable as well after he sat out Saturday due to right hamstring tightness.

Festus Ezeli will likely miss his fourth straight game with a sore left toe.

Charlotte (17-16) likely won't have any sympathy since it just lost center Al Jefferson with a torn knee ligament for an extended period of time.

Three Hornets are questionable Monday in starting guard Nicolas Batum (toe strain), reserve guard Jeremy Lin (ankle sprain) and backup center Spencer Hawes (low back tightness).

Charlotte starts a four-game trip seeking to avoid its first four-game slide. Losers of six of eight, the Hornets fell 109-90 at home to Oklahoma City on Saturday despite 32 points from Kemba Walker.

"Obviously we're missing some guys but our energy level is good but it's just our defense and our rebounding," coach Steve Clifford said. "When we start to get our defense going again, then we'll win again."

Batum sat out Saturday with Lin replacing him in the lineup. Lin came back after he missed two games with a sprained right ankle.

Walker is averaging 27.8 points in his last five games overall, but has been limited to 8.0 on 21.1 percent from the field in his past four against the Warriors. He had a season-low four points on 2-of-16 shooting in last month's loss.

Golden State can move closer to Chicago's record 44-game home win streak from 1995-96. The Warriors built a 24-point lead after one quarter Saturday and looked like a different team once Curry went down.

Draymond Green posted his NBA-best sixth triple-double with 29 points, 17 boards and 14 assists as he matched a season high with five 3-pointers.

Klay Thompson scored 26 points two nights after he had 38 in a win at Houston.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Hot teams
-- Cleveland won eight of its last ten games (8-7HF). Raptors won four of their last six games (7-3AU).
-- Spurs won nine of their last ten games (9-5AF). Milwaukee won last two games, after losing six of previous eight (6-2 last 8HU).
-- Thunder won seven of last eight games (0-5 last five HF).
-- Utah won three of its last four games (3-2HU).
-- Portland won three of its last four games (4-2HU).
-- Golden State won seven of last eight games (6-3 last nine HF).

Cold teams
-- Minnesota lost six of its last seven games (1-1AF). 76ers lost three of last four games (2-10HU).
-- Miami lost two of its last three games (5-9 last 14HF). Pacers lost five of their last eight games (6-3AU).
-- Orlando lost three of its last five games (5-1 last six AU). Detroit lost four of its last five (8-1 last nine HF).
-- Brooklyn lost seven of last ten games (1-4 last five HU). Celtics are 4-5 in last nine games (3-3AF).
-- Sacramento lost three of last four games (7-7AU).
-- Houston lost its last four games (3-4AF).
-- Memphis lost its last three road games (4-3AF).
-- Hornets lost six of their last eight games (5-4AU).

Series records
-- 76ers lost six of last eight games with Philly.
-- Cavaliers won three of last four games with Toronto.
-- Pacers won five of last six games with Miami.
-- Pistons won their last three games with Orlando.
-- Road team won last four Boston-Brooklyn games.
-- Spurs won their last seven games with Milwaukee.
-- Thunder won nine of last ten games with Sacramento.
-- Rockets won eight of last ten games with Utah.
-- Grizzlies won eight of last ten games with Portland.
-- Warriors won last three games with Charlotte by 25-5-17.

Totals
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Minnesota-Philly games.
-- Six of last eight Toronto games went over the total. Cleveland's last seven games all went over.
-- Eight of last ten Indiana games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Orlando-Detroit games went over.
-- Four of last five Boston games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven San Antonio games stayed under.
-- Nine of last ten Thunder-King games stayed under.
-- Last four Houston games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Memphis-Portland games went over.
-- Over is 3-1 in last four games for both Hornets/Warriors.

Back/backs
-- Toronto is 4-1 vs spread on road if it played night before.
-- Portland is 1-7 vs spread if it played the night before.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat January 4, 7:30 EST

When Indiana travels to South Beach to take on Miami the Pacers will take the floor in a desirable winning situation. Past history shows that Indiana is a money-making 6-0 ATS running the hardwood against Miami, 14-3 ATS in their last 17 facing a team with a winning record, 9-3 ATS on the road vs a good defensive team like Heat allowing =< 100 points per 100 opponent possesions.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tar Heels (14-2) at Seminoles (10-3)

Date: January 04, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

They may be one of the nation's top teams offensively, but North Carolina realizes it may not reach its long-term goals without making stops on the other end.

That could be a concern for a Tar Heels team that no doubt still remembers what a freshman guard from Florida State did to it in the last meeting.

Seventh-ranked UNC hopes to put together a complete performance en route to its seventh consecutive victory Monday night when it visits the Seminoles.

North Carolina ranks in the top 10 nationally with 86.5 points per game and in the top 15 with a 50.1 field-goal percentage after it shot better than 50 percent for the eighth time in nine games in Saturday's 86-78 home win over Georgia Tech.

Joel Barry II led the way with 19 points, while Brice Johnson added 15 and 11 rebounds. Johnson, averaging a team-high 15.3 points, had scored a season-low three on 1-of-8 shooting in an 80-69 home win over Clemson in the ACC opener on Wednesday.

The Tar Heels trailed by nine in the first half before outscoring Georgia Tech 47-36 over the final 20 minutes.

"We just decided to get some stops and win. That was the biggest thing," Johnson said. "We wanted to just stop, I mean we were scoring and doing what we needed to do. We just needed a couple of stops to get a win. And that's what we did."

After allowing 77.3 points per game during a three-game stretch, the Tar Heels (13-2, 2-0) have given up an average of 70 in their last four. They had some trouble with Florida State's Xavier Rathan-Mayes in the most recent meeting on Jan. 24, but Marcus Paige finished with 19 points and Johnson added 18 with 14 boards in a 78-74 home win.

Rathan-Mayes had a school freshman-record 35 points that tied for the fifth-best total by a freshman in ACC history.

Rathan-Mayes hasn't been nearly as prolific as a sophomore, averaging 11.0 points on 39.7 percent shooting. He finished with six while missing seven of nine shots in Saturday's 84-75 loss at Clemson that ended a six-game winning streak.

The Seminoles (10-3, 0-1) have two more freshmen playing starring roles this season in Malik Beasley and Dwayne Bacon - both averaging 17.2 points. Beasley scored 23 on Saturday and senior Devon Bookert had a season-high 21 with six 3-pointers.

Bacon will try to regroup after he had 10 points on 5-of-16 shooting against the Tigers to snap his school freshman record streak of four straight games with at least 20.

"I think at the start of the ACC season, hopefully (Saturday) will be a lesson for our guys to be a little more attentive and understand a little more of how you need to play at this level," coach Leonard Hamilton said.

Florida State has lost five in a row overall in this series and seven of the past eight home meetings. It also has dropped 16 of 19 versus ranked opponents dating to the start of the 2012-13 season.

North Carolina coach Roy Williams has already said forward Kennedy Meeks will miss his seventh straight contest due to a bone bruise on his left knee.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mountainers (12-1) at Horned Frogs (8-5)

Date: January 04, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

After his team's double-overtime Big 12 opener, Bob Huggins insisted the conference doesn't have much of a noticeable drop off and nothing will come easily for West Virginia over the next few months.

TCU unsurprisingly hinted at contradicting that statement as it started conference play.

The 19th-ranked Mountaineers visit the Horned Frogs on Monday night with Huggins' team looking to remain perfect in the series, though that's hardly a noticeable accomplishment.

West Virginia (12-1) won 87-83 at Kansas State on Saturday, and its fifth straight win came despite going 3 of 20 from 3-point range while also struggling to force the Wildcats into the typical mistakes of the Mountaineers' press. Even with the additional 10 minutes, Kansas State limited itself to 15 turnovers, which is 6.4 below the season average of West Virginia opponents.

"There's just no bottom in this league," Huggins said. "That's what makes it so hard. With a lot of leagues, there's a bottom, but this has no bottom. And the coaching in this league is incredible."

Jaysean Paige scored a career-high 25 points off the bench, 20 of which came after halftime. The guard has averaged 19.7 points in his last three games after starting the season with 10.1 through 10 games.

"We wanted to try and lift him as much as we could lift him so he could get it at the rim," Huggins said. "He's our best athlete, and he's gotten better and better and better as the season's gone on."

The Mountaineers weren't their usual selves on the offensive glass, pulling down 15 in a season in which they rank second in the country with 17.8 per game and a top-five overall rebounding advantage of plus-12.7.

"We just didn't rebound it as well as we normally rebound it," Huggins told the school's official website. "We didn't do a lot of things as well as what we normally do."

TCU, meanwhile, hasn't had a rebounding advantage in any of its five losses, including Saturday's 69-48 embarrassment at Oklahoma State.

West Virginia has won all six meetings since both teams joined the league for the 2012-13 season. TCU has dropped 26 of its last 27 against the Top 25, while West Virginia has won its last 26 against unranked opponents by an average of 19.6 points.

Prior to the conference opener, TCU (8-5) had won four straight, but that competition - Prairie View A&M, Abilene Christian, Bradley and Delaware State - clearly didn't prepare it for the Big 12. The Horned Frogs shot 30 percent and made 1 of 17 from 3-point range.

"Oklahoma State is a great example of guys playing together as a team," coach Trent Johnson said. "We have to learn from that."

That was particularly true of the Horned Frogs' starting five, which combined for 20 points. Top scorer Vladimir Brodziansky (13.2) has been limited to 7.7 points and attempted just 18 shots in his last three games, while No. 2 scorer Malique Trent (9.3) is shooting 33.3 percent over the same span.

They've now won just seven of 59 games since joining the conference and could be well on their way to finishing last in the league for the third time in four seasons.

"We have a lot of work to do to figure it out," Johnson told the school's official website. "We aren't where we need to be in terms of mental or physical toughness versus good people. We need to get it corrected and find out how competitive we want to be in this league."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cavaliers (12-1) at Hokies (9-5)

Date: January 04, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Already a potent team, Virginia could prove even more of a handful if Mike Tobey keeps contributing on the scoresheet in ACC play.

The senior center will try to help the fifth-ranked Cavaliers add to their recent mastery of rival Virginia Tech on Monday night.

Virginia (12-1, 1-0) earned the first nine of its 11 consecutive wins with Tobey averaging just 5.1 points per game, and he had a combined six in the Cavaliers' four contests before a 71-58 victory over Oakland on Dec. 30.

He scored 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting in that game and 15 in Saturday's conference opener, a 77-66 win over Notre Dame.

"That's what we're going to need from (Tobey) throughout the season," forward Anthony Gill said. "He's a great player, has a soft touch around the basket and takes up a lot of space on defense. When his mind is right, he can be a really effective player for the team and help us get to the next level."

Malcolm Brogdon had a team-best 24 points and Gill scored 21 in the Cavaliers' ninth consecutive victory over the Irish. They have won seven in a row against Virginia Tech (9-5, 1-0) and five straight road games in the series.

Virginia will take on the Hokies for the fourth consecutive time as a ranked team. The Cavaliers were the No. 2 team in the country in each of last season's two matchups, beginning with a 50-47 win in Blacksburg on Jan. 25.

They finished that game on a 12-2 run to rally from a seven-point deficit with less than six minutes remaining. Four of their last five contests at Virginia Tech have been decided by four points or fewer.

"Anytime we go into Virginia Tech, it's always a close game. They always get up for us and it seems to be a good game no matter what," Gill said. "We just have to be ready from the beginning."

Virginia had a better handle on the Hokies on its home court Feb. 28, winning 69-57 en route to a second straight ACC regular-season title.

Virginia Tech will bring two new leading scorers into this matchup in transfers Seth Allen and Zach LeDay. Allen, averaging a team-best 14.6 points, had 23 in a 73-68 overtime win against North Carolina State in Saturday's conference opener.

"We're going to have to fight like that 18 more times. This was huge. We just kind of hung around and just kept fighting and just kept scrapping," coach Buzz Williams said.

Sophomore guard Jalen Hudson registered a season high by also scoring 23 points. Allen, who played two seasons at Maryland, has faced Virginia four times, and he scored 20 points in a 75-69 overtime upset of the fifth-ranked Cavaliers on March 9, 2014.

"I've been preaching to the younger guys, guys that haven't been in this league that whatever has happened in the regular season, you just let it go," Allen said. "You could have won some games. You could have lost some games. This is the ACC, and when conference play starts, it's a whole new season."

Brogdon missed 17 of 18 shots inside the 3-point arc in a three-game stretch before going 7 for 9 on Saturday.

Brogdon has a combined 20 points on 6-of-21 shooting in his two road starts against Virginia Tech compared with 37 points on 11-of-22 shooting in his two home starts. Tobey has totaled 10 points in his two starts against the Hokies, and has a combined six points in his last three overall matchups.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Sooners (12-0) at Jayhawks (12-1)

Date: January 04, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) There is a nice bit of symmetry to the fact that Kansas and Oklahoma could be meeting Monday night at Allen Fieldhouse as the top two teams in the country.

That's because they were also 1-2 the last time their league had such a matchup.

Of course, those were the days of the old Big Eight, before the Big 12 expanded to 12 - and then became 10. It happened in the conference tournament semifinals at Kansas City's Kemper Arena, when the top-ranked Sooners ran roughshod over the second-ranked Jayhawks on their way to the title.

This time, Kansas will likely be No. 1 and Oklahoma will be No. 2, assuming voters move both up a notch when the AP poll is released Monday. Top-ranked Michigan State lost to Iowa this past week.

'It's going to be fun,' Sooners star Buddy Hield said.

The matchup comes just three days into the conference schedule. The Jayhawks blew out No. 23 Baylor 102-74 on Saturday while the Sooners rallied past No. 11 Iowa State 87-83, setting up the potential 1-2 matchup.

Kansas (12-1) has not lost since blowing a lead against the Spartans in the Champions Classic in Chicago in mid-November. The Sooners (12-0) are off to their best start in 28 years.

The two teams couldn't be more similar, starting with their experience.

The Jayhawks return most of their core from last season, led by high-scoring guard Wayne Selden and steady Perry Ellis, making them one of Bill Self's most experienced teams.

Oklahoma has four players - Hield, Isaiah Cousins, Jordan Woodard and Ryan Spangler - that have each started the last 80 games. Khadeem Lattin gives the Sooners's top five 332 combined starts.

Then there's their composition.

The Jayhawks have become a backcourt-oriented team that starts two point guards in Frank Mason III and Devonte Graham. They're shooting 46 percent from the 3-point line, second best in the NCAA, and are averaging 88.3 points, trailing only The Citadel and Duke.

The Sooners likewise have a pair of exceptional ball-handlers in Cousins and Woodard. Throw in Hield and Oklahoma has a backcourt trio that is a big reason the Sooners are shooting 45.3 percent from 3, a notch behind Kansas, and averaging 87 points - sixth-best nationally.

'I've seen them play a couple of times. I watch their guards and stuff,' Graham said. 'They're aggressive, just like we are. They can knock down open shots. Good one-on-one players. We have to keep them out of the paint, just like we have to keep them out of the paint.'

The last meeting between No. 1 and No. 2 occurred on Nov. 12, 2013, when Michigan State knocked off Kentucky in Chicago. But there have only been five such meetings since the turn of the century, and one of those was the 2005 national title game when North Carolina beat Illinois.

Even rarer is a 1-2 matchup at Allen Fieldhouse.

The storied building has bathed in such a spotlight only once, when second-ranked Missouri beat No. 1 Kansas 77-71 on Feb. 13, 1990. Self was a young assistant at Oklahoma State at the time, and the Jayhawks would go on to lose to the Sooners in that other 1-2 matchup a few weeks later.

'What could be really cool, it doesn't happen often, is where 1 plays 1,' Self said, alluding to the fact that Kansas may top the AP poll and Oklahoma may lead the coaches' poll. 'I think that makes for a pretty interesting story line.'

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Monday's games..........

Oakland is 5-0 vs Youngstown in Horizon play, winning 86-85/82-71 in two games played here. Grizzlies won six of last eight games, are 3-4 in true road games with win at Washington- they're 6-0 vs teams outside top 200, with five wins by 11+. Penguins lost last five D-I games, are 0-3 vs top 100 teams, losing by 31-49-9 points- their only road win was at #307 Niagara.

North Carolina won its last five games with Florida State, winning three in row played here by 20-21-4 points. Tar Heels are 0-2 in true road tilts, losing by 4 at Northern Iowa, 2 at Texas. UNC still isn't getting much on 3-point line, but they have #36 eFG%. FSU had 6-game win streak ended at Clemson Saturday; Seminoles are 1-2 in true road games, with the three decided by total of 14 points.

West Virginia scored 87.5 ppg in winning its two true road games, by 25-4 points; Mountaineers force turnovers 29% of time (#1)- they're 6-0 vs TCU in Big X play, winning by 13-5-11 points in three games played in Ft Worth. Horned Frogs turn ball over 21% of time (#320); they lost by 18 at Oklahoma State in Big X opener- they're 0-4 vs top 100 teams, with three of four losses by 9 or less points.

Cleveland State won four of last five games with Detroit, but lost by one to Titans here LY; Vikings are 2-7 in last nine D-I games; they're making 28.7% of 3's (#331), have #333 eFG%. Detroit is 7-0 at home, 0-5 on foreign soil; they've got #337 eFG% defense. Titans scored 95+ points in each of last three wins; they're 2-0 vs teams outside top 200, winning by 15-9 points.

Wright State won its last four games after 3-7 start; they're making 39.3% on arc, just 42.3% inside it. Raiders lost last four games with Green Bay, by 10-7-24-12 points- they lost three of last four visits here. UWGB has new coach, is playing faster (#2 pace); they're 2-5 vs top 100 teams, 5-2 in last seven D-I games- they also have two non-D-I wins. UWGB has forced turnovers on 22.1% of possessions (#25).

Northern Kentucky is in its first year in Horizon League; they lost first Horizon game 86-70 at Green Bay Saturday, going 4-18 on arc. Norse are 0-6 vs top 200 teams, with four losses by 16+ points. Milwaukee lost two of last three games, with both losses in OT- their last three losses all came in OT. Panthers are 4-1 vs teams outside top 200, with wins by 13-6-6-13 points, and an OT loss at South Dakota.

Virginia won its last seven games with Virginia Tech, winning last five in Blacksburg by 3-2-21-4-3 points. Cavaliers won by 6 at Ohio State, lost at GW in its two true road games. UVa has #23 eFG%, making 40.9% on arc, 53.9% inside it. Hokies beat NC State in OT Saturday after losing to West Va by 25 in previous game; Tech is improved on defense- they are 9-0 when they allow less than 79 points.

Kansas is 13-2 in last 15 games with Oklahoma, winning last eight here, last two by 8-7 points. Jayhawks made 11-19 on arc, pounded Baylor in Big X opener Saturday; Kansas won last ten D-I games; they're shooting 45.2% on arc (#3). Oklahoma is one of three unbeatens left; they're 2-0 vs top 20 teams, beating Villanova/Iowa State. Sooners scored 83+ points in last six games; they had tough game with Iowa State Saturday, while the Jayhawks were pounding Baylor by 28.

MAAC teams are 7-6 vs Ivy teams TY; they're 2-3 vs spread as favorite vs Ivy squads. Dartmouth is 4-7 vs schedule #318; they're 4-3 vs teams ranked #200 or lower- they force turnovers 22.9% of time, but shoot just 44.7% inside arc. Fairfield split its last six games; three of its last three wins were in OT. Stags play #22 tempo- they lost to Yale by 13, beat Columbia in OT in its two games vs Ivy squads.

Rider won three of last four games after a 1-8 start; Broncs won three of four vs Quinnipiac in MAAC play, winning by 3 here LY after losing by 21 year before. Rider is 1-9 vs teams ranked in top 280. Quinnipiac lost last four games; they turn ball over 22.2% of time (#331), shoot 40.2% inside arc, 62.7% on foul line- they lost their last three home games. Best win for Rider is over #272 Houston Baptist.

Canisius made 16-35 from arc in 96-86 upset of Monmouth Dec 4, after Hawks had upset Notre Dame/USC in Orlando tourney- it was Griffins' first win in last five games with Monmouth- they lost by 1-4 points in last two visits here. Hawks had won five in row before losing to Army last game; Monmouth has #38 eFG% defense but tends to play better against bigger name teams.

Iona won 10 of last 11 games with Niagara, winning last five, three by six or less points; Gaels are 4-0 at home with wins by 15-24-10-7 points. Eagles lost last six visits here by 17-24-12-11-18-23 points. Niagara lost last six games, losing MAAC games by 14-12 since upset of Quinnipiac in MAAC opener. Niagara is turning ball over 22.7% of time (#339), has made 27.8% on arc (#342).

Home side won last six St Peter's-Marist games; Peacocks lost last four visits to McCann Center by 4-11-10-2 points. St Peter's won its first two MAAC games but is 2-7 in all other games- they're 1-5 in true road games, with only win at #214 Rider. Four of last five Marist games were decided by 6 or less points; Red Foxes are 3-3 vs teams outside top 200; only one of their four wins is by more than six points.

Siena crushed Manhattan 89-54 Dec 5, outscoring Jaspers 31-9 on foul line; teams split last 12 meetings-- Saints lost last five visits here, by 19-3-20-22-8 points. Jaspers swept Siena LY after losing four of previous six series games. Siena won four of last five games- they lost last three on road by 1-4-9 points. Manhattan's bench is #334 in minutes played; they won three of last four games after a 1-7 start.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Mountaineers visit Horned Frogs'

West Virginia coming off a double-overtime victory in its Big 12 opener against K-State has an impressive 12-1 SU record along with a profitable 6-4 mark against the betting line. Devin Williams (14.8) leads a group of four double-digit scores helping Mountaineers net a solid 86.0 points/game. Mountaineers with one of the best 3-point defenses (23.7%) allow a mesily 61.9 per/contest.

TCU opened its Big 12 slate in Stillwater shooting just 30.0% walking off at the wrong end of a 69-48 decision vs. Oklahoma State. Horned Frogs carrying an 8-5 record (3-4 ATS) into the contest net 70.8 per/game while allowing opponents 65.2 per/contest.

It's a difficult scheduling spot for Mountaineers who will be playing their third consecutive road game over a six-day span. However, West Virginia will make it past TCU. The Mountaineers have owned the series since Horned Frogs joined the Big 12 winning all six matchups (5-1 ATS) by an average 12.2 points/game which includes a 2-0 SU/ATS mark in TCU Big 12 home openers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pompano Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 6 - Post: 9:00 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 84 - Purse:$7000 - NW $3,001 LAST 5 STARTS. AE: NW 5 EXT. PM RACES LIFETIME.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 6 POLITICAL FOE 12/1


# 4 URIEL 6/1


# 5 PC'S WILDCARD 8/1


If you want a nice play in this contest, feast your eyes on POLITICAL FOE look at that good price on the line. Deserves a shot given the positive win stat he sports. URIEL - May be the most compelling in the field of starters here, showing great statistics of late. Avg speed is a solid 88. Good for a win bet just off the outstanding prior class rankings. Have to like this fine animal. PC'S WILDCARD - Expert selectors must not overlook solid standardbreds beginning from of the 5 position as their ROI has significantly exceeded the expected average.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Woodbine

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 3 - Post: 8:10 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$12000 - CLAIMING HANDICAP $15,000 TO $20,000. ALLOWANCES FOR AGE & SEX. ENTER IN MULTIPLES OF $5,000.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 6 GIRL DRAMA 5/1


# 5 MAJESTIC MYSTIC 15/1


# 4 LATOKA 4/1


After thorough analysis by the wagering panel, GIRL DRAMA comes out as the top selection. Should be in the hunt again in this race, looking to improve that already high lifetime winning percent. Chances are greatly increased for entrants coming from the 6 hole at Woodbine. Look for Henriksen and this interesting entrant to end up in the winner's circle in this one. Superb in the money percentage for the trainer/horse partnership. MAJESTIC MYSTIC - Hands down the best hole at Woodbine is the 5. The win percentage is great. LATOKA - We're not going to pass on this gelding given one of the finest driver/handler figures around. The driver-trainer team in this event looks like a tremendous play. One look at the 13 return on investment percent justifies that claim.

 

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Handicapped by The Walker Group at Hialeah

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 8 - Maiden - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $15000 Class Rating: 74

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR ACCREDITED FLORIDA BREDS) FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 SHES A TOURIST 9/2


# 7 DASHIN BY TRAFFIC 4/1


# 3 TF SHEZ FLYIN MIGHTY 5/1


SHES A TOURIST could be the bet in here. Has to be carefully examined in here if only for the respectable speed rating put up in the last race. She has been running soundly lately while recording strong speed figs. DASHIN BY TRAFFIC - Has been running soundly and has among the best speed in the race for today's distance. Has strong front speed and should fare quite well versus this group.

 

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Handicapped by The Walker Group at Portland Meadows

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 1 - Maiden - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $3800 Class Rating: 83

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 123 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 FNF BAD KITTY 4/1


# 4 MS RED RANSOM 2/1


# 2 PREACHINFORCASH 8/1


FNF BAD KITTY is the best wager in this race. Is a sharp contender based on numbers put up recently under today's conditions. Afanador will probably be able to get this filly to break out quickly here. Should be given a shot for this race if only for the respectable Equibase Speed Figure posted in the last race. MS RED RANSOM - Had one of the best Equibase Speed Figures of this group in her last contest. PREACHINFORCASH - He looks very good in this spot and I expect will be on the lead or close at the midpoint. Is a definite contender - given the 50 speed figure from his most recent race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #6 - Post: 3:04pm - Allowance - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $17,500 Class Rating: 96

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 TWICE WITH ICE (ML=3/1)
#7 SEVENTYSEVEN (ML=9/2)


TWICE WITH ICE - I think this gelding is coming into top form. This thoroughbred coming off a good effort in the last month is a win candidate in my humble opinion. Everybody's got their favorite tracks, but if you ask this mount, I think his answer would be Mahoning Valley Race Course. This horse has increased his speed ratings from a fig of 83 to 89 to 96 in succession. The last speed fig of 96 is the top last race speed figure in the bunch. SEVENTYSEVEN - Pilares is reunited today with this horse after enjoying some pretty nice success riding in the past. A thoroughbred coming back this soon after a strong contest is a good sign. PP lines show this thoroughbred with 3 improving speed figures. Pilares should be on a live one right here.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 BIG ROQUES (ML=7/5), #1A STORMIN LARRY (ML=7/5), #6 ARAB SPRING (ML=8/1),

BIG ROQUES - This racer hasn't shown much effort in the last two events. This gelding registered a speed fig in his last race which probably isn't good enough in today's event. STORMIN LARRY - You should normally wager against morning-line favorites that haven't raced or show no activity in the morning over the last three weeks. ARAB SPRING - Finished third in his most recent performance with a mediocre fig. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to triumph after that in this bunch.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #2 TWICE WITH ICE on top if we're getting at least 9/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Laurel - Race #6 - Post: 2:55pm - Maiden Special - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $40,000 Class Rating: 85

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 TIMMY T (ML=5/1)
#4 GREAT PLAN (ML=4/5)


TIMMY T - Gelding took a little vacation, but has been racing into shape. I look for this racer to sit chilly off the pace and make a strong move on the turn, cruising straight on to the winner's circle. Entered a Maiden Special race at Laurel last time around the track and raced on a track listed as good finishing fifth. Should do much better in this race. GREAT PLAN - This gelding's last speed rating is high enough to score here, I'll play him right back this time around. EPS (earnings per start) is something that I think can be a crucial handicapping factor. This thoroughbred is ranked number one in this field. This horse tops my list of strong contenders. Three solid outings leading into this event can prove Moochie here is right.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 DEVIL'S WRANGLER (ML=6/1),

DEVIL'S WRANGLER - Should take this one off your contenders list with the absence of speed in that last route contest.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #8 TIMMY T on the win end if we get at least 3/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
8 with 4 with [3,5,6] Total Cost: $3

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Monday 1/4 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 2,5,6/3,4,6/2,3,4/6,7/3,9,10 = $32.40

EARLY PICK 4: 6,7/3,4,9,10/2,8/2,9 = $32

LATE PICK 4: 4/1,4,7,8/5,6,7/1,3,4 = $36

MEET STATS: 173 - 519 / $944.50 BEST BETS: 26 - 47 / $91.80

SPOT PLAYS: 15 - 47 / $167.60

Best Bet: MARQUIS VOLO (8th)

Spot Play: ONE WARRAWEE (2nd)


Race 1

(2) TOY IS OURS has been carefully handled by Vanderkemp in his last two starts both of which were wins. He should be good for another if he continues to mind his manners. (5) HILLSONATOR closed quickly in his qualifier and has shown enough speed last summer to contend here right away. (6) HALO EFFECT was a sharp winner on a slow track last time but has now missed three weeks; another to consider for Pick 5 tickets.

Race 2

(6) ONE WARRAWEE raced great two back here then couldn't get over a track covered in snow last Monday in London. That low placing should add value to his price here; top call. (3) INTENDED STYLE is logical here dropping in for a tag but is likely to be overbet, too. (4) WOGGY ROCKS stormed off cover down the lane to score a big upset last time out and is a threat to repeat in his current sharp form.

Race 3

(3) WINE PHOTO raced well in a tougher class from a worse post last time. McNair will be sending; catch him to greet the cashier. (9) BROADWAY PRINCE drops in for a tag and has beaten better as recently as six weeks ago; the main danger. (2) UTOPIA made a strong late move to win his last start and isn't out of this but the top two may be too tough.

Race 4

(7) HOME JAMES left hard from the worst post, took a shuffle then had pace late in his Woodbine debut and will likely try to take these coast-to-coast. (6) HIGHLAND SIMONSAYS qualified sharply over a sloppy track preparing for this start and looms a danger. (5) NEW STANDARD is by a sire who produces many that win early and out of a dam that has produced several winners; consider.

Race 5

(3) PUREFORM OLYMPIA drops in for a tag here and should be prominent on or near the lead. (10) GUILTYWITHANEXCUSE goes for a tag, too, and adds Lasix. Don't be shocked if A Mac sends this gelding hard off the gate. (9) JOSEPH GERARD is another speed type in with a shot. Early positioning will be critical here.

Race 6

(2) ALWAYS THERE raced huge for a tag two back, making several moves into a strong pace. Back in for claiming and starting from a good post with the top driver gives him every chance to take these. (8) VELOCITY HEADLIGHT won three of his last five starts to end 2015 after going 1 for his first 32; respect. (3) FIRST IMPRESSION can threaten if he can avoid the tough trip he had last time.

Race 7

As previously noted, (9) FEARLESS MAN can peel off several wins in a row when he is at his sharpest; ride him until they beat him. (2) HLDONTGHTTOYURDRMS wasn't far behind the choice last time. He looks next best. (8) BURNIN MONEY will be passing most of these late for a minor share.

Race 8

(4) MARQUIS VOLO raced well last time but couldn't get near a very strong winner. There are none that compare to that rival in here; top call. (9) NEILS GOLDEN GIRL has been racing well in the top classes at Flamboro and is in with a shot here, even from the outer post. (2) MEADOW SEELSTER had a productive 2015 campaign and was 2nd last time to the same one that beat the choice but in a different race. Jamieson returns and quite often moves horses up the 2nd time he drives them.

Race 9

(4) LETS WAIT AND SEE raced well last time but couldn't hold off a pylon skimmer late. He could show further improvement for connections that can keep them good for several starts once they show improvement. (8) HIT AND GIGGLE A drops and adds Filion and Lasix. He should show a lot more here. (1) CHICAGO HANOVER rode poor cover last time when the pace picked up which led to a poor result. He's a contender here.

Race 10

(6) COVERT OPERATIVE has been finishing well and should get a good setup here with several speed types signed on; slight nod in a competitive dash. (5) ETRUSCAN HANOVER is very good when he minds his manners and will likely take these all the way if he stays flat, but that is always in question with him it seems. (7) TOTALLY RIPPED has been closing with good energy late and is a threat at a square price here.

Race 11

(4) THE BIG YEAR qualified faster than most of these race which makes him an automatic play. (3) A MARCOU STORY drops and should show more here. (1) NEW YORK NIGHTMARE closed strongly last time in a quick mile. He fits here. (6) CHEYENNE FORD was claimed, gets Lasix and picks up McNair. He has an upset chance despite the class rise. (5) DREYDL HANOVER could go better here if the track is dry. Note his win in this class on November 2nd.

 

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SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Laurel Park (1st) Ready It, 3-1
(8th) Wychmere, 5-1


Mahoning Valley (3rd) Carson Pass, 6-1
(6th) Twice With Ice, 3-1


Turf Paradise (2nd) Brazilian Barbeque, 5-1
(6th) Orange Thunder, 4-1

 

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NBA Game of the Day: Raptors at Cavaliers

Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers (-8, 192)

Before beginning their longest road trip of the season, the surging Cleveland Cavaliers look to stay hot at home when they welcome Toronto to town on Monday night. The Cavaliers picked up a 104-79 win over Orlando on Saturday to extend their current winning streak to three and their home winning streak to five.

LeBron James scored 29 points on 11-of-18 shooting for Cleveland, which is 14-1 at home but will play six straight away from Quicken Loans Arena beginning Wednesday in Washington. Kyrie Irving added 13 points and five assists in his fifth game since returning from surgery and Kevin Love chipped in 10 points and 13 rebounds. "They know what they can be when they're all healthy and playing together," Cavaliers coach David Blatt told reporters of his star trio. "I think it gives them the kind of confidence and the kind of energy to be out there playing that way together. It’s a good sign." The Raptors are coming off a 115-113 loss to Chicago on Sunday and are beginning a five-game road trip of their own.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet ONE (Toronto), FSN Ohio (Cleveland)

LINE HISTORY: The Cavaliers opened this matchup as 8-point home favorites. The total hits the board at 192.

INJURY REPORT:

Raptors - None to report.

Cavaliers - SF L. James (probable Monday, illness), SG J. Harris (questionable Monday, foot).

POWER RANKINGS: Raptors (-7.1) - Cavaliers (-8) + home court (-3) = Cavaliers -3.9

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (21-14, 19-15 ATS, 16-18 O/U): Toronto entered Sunday as one of the better second-half teams in the league (+3.9 scoring margin) and at the top of the list when it came to the fourth quarter (+2.8), but it had no answer down the stretch for Bulls guard Jimmy Butler, who scored a team-record 40 points after intermission. DeMar DeRozan led the way in the loss with 24 points while Kyle Lowry had 22 and 10 assists. Those two combined for 47 points to lead the Raptors to a 103-99 win over the Cavaliers in the previous meeting Nov. 25.

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (22-9, 13-17-1 ATS, 13-18 O/U): Irving has been on a minutes restriction but has played just twice since Christmas and is nearing the point where Blatt can give him more time, especially after seeing Irving survive a head-first dive for a loose ball against Orlando that caused a tiny scare on the Cleveland sidelines. "There was a gasp of air but not only my teammates and staff but also everyone in the building and for me, too," Irving told the media. "That was one of those moments we all talk about as athletes when you come back from surgery and you're like, 'That was the moment for me.' That was the one. I was OK, I'm good." The Cavaliers are giving up 88 points on 40.4 percent shooting over their last 10 games (8-2).

TRENDS:

* Raptors are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Cavaliers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Over is 4-0 in Raptors last 4 road games.
* Under is 9-0 in Cavaliers last 9 vs. Eastern Conference.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-seven percent of wagers are backing the Raptors in this matchup of Eastern Conference contenders. As for the total, 64 percent of wagers are on the over.

 

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Monday's six-pack

Westgate Super Contest (1,727 entrants-- prize pool is $2.5M)
Most popular picks in Week 17 season record: 52-51-2

6) Buccaneers, +10.5 (254)-- Will Carolina rest its starters? L

5) Steelers -10.5 (317)-- Steelers need win and Jets to lose in Buffalo. W

T3) Jets, -3 ((327)-- Lot of opinions both ways in this critical game. L

T3) Giants, -3 (327)-- One coach is already fired; other one will be Monday L

2) Packers -3 (392)-- Winner gets home field in playoff game next week. L.

1) Bills +3 (403)-- Rex Ryan can knock his old team out of the playoffs. W